A different and affordable holiday with the kids
There are several options for a budget-friendly summer vacation
As summer approaches, it's time to think about where to take the family on summer vacation. Maybe you don't have enough money for a charter vacation to the southern sun for the whole family, but less can do. The most important thing is to get away from home and experience something together. And luckily, there are budget-friendly alternatives.
More than 2,000 shelters have been built in Denmark - small open wooden huts, often located in scenic settings around the country. The vast majority are free to use, while private shelters may cost a small fee. Some can be booked in advance, others operate on a first come, first served basis.
The density of shelters makes it ideal to plan a cycling vacation in a corner of Denmark where your family has never been before. If not guaranteed, there's a good chance you'll always be able to find a place to spend the night in the great outdoors, cook over a campfire, stargaze and listen to the sounds of the night while sheltered in your sleeping bags.
Some shelter sites have a fire pit, toilet and running water, while others have no facilities. The Danish Nature Agency has more than 300 shelters in some of the most scenic locations in Denmark.
Canoeing down a river
For a slightly more exotic adventure, there are similar opportunities in southern Sweden. Here nature is wilder and you can combine it with a canoe trip down one of the southern Swedish rivers. It's also worth bearing in mind that your Danish kroner will go further in Sweden.
Another more stationary option is farm holidays in Denmark. There are several farms that have a guesthouse, annex or caravan that is rented out during the summer vacation period, often for a small fee. They don't operate as organized campsites with their own website, but will often advertise the opportunity via social media.
Stay abroad for free
If your budget is a little more, but still limited, it's actually possible to have a cheap vacation abroad. 'Home exchange' has become a very popular concept that opens up a world of opportunities to stay for free in a house or apartment in Denmark or another country. If you're ready to let a family move into your home for a week or two, you can swap right across and get a vacation home for a similar period.
There are a number of websites that can help you exchange holiday homes at home and abroad on an organized basis. The largest and most organized selection can be found on websites such as Intervac, Homelink or Homeexchange. Some of these sites require a membership, which costs from 750 to 1,190 DKK annually (2024).
The websites are organized so that it's easy to get an overview of available accommodation in different countries and more or less specific areas. It's also easy to get an overview of size, number of rooms, equipment level, location and whether transportation is included.
